California Department of Transportation

STIMULUS FUNDING WILL HELP WIDEN THE RONALD REAGAN FREEWAY

Ventura County – Caltrans today
announced construction has begun to widen the westbound Ronald Reagan Freeway
(SR-118). The $19.1 million project is partially financed ($6.5 million)
by President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(Recovery Act). This project and many others around the state are beginning
sooner than expected thanks to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s efforts
to expedite stimulus funding.

"My Administration is working hand-in-hand with President Obama's
team to ensure stimulus dollars are pumped into California quickly and
responsibly to stimulate the economy and in this instance - invest in the
future of California's transportation infrastructure," said Governor
Schwarzenegger.

The project will add one new lane to westbound SR-118 in Simi Valley from
Tapo Canyon Road to the Los Angeles County line, a distance of approximately
five miles. On average, more than 115,000 vehicles travel this section
of freeway daily. The project, which was awarded to Security Paving Company
of Sun Valley, is a partnership between Caltrans and the Ventura County
Transportation Commission and is expected to be completed by winter 2010.

“We are committed to reducing traffic congestion in Ventura County
and all over Southern California. This project is a great example of how
the stimulus is bringing in the cash we need to improve the Ronald Reagan
Freeway, while at the same time supporting much-needed jobs,” said
Caltrans Director Randy Iwasaki.

“This project will directly provide steady income for about 60 families
for the next year," said Hani Jamaleddine, Project Manager, Security
Paving Company.

Under Governor Schwarzenegger’s leadership, California leads the
nation with $2.54 billion in Recovery Act funding obligated to 912 highway,
local street, and job training transportation projects statewide.
For more information on the Recovery Act visit:
http://recovery.ca.gov/